Aston Martin has hired former Ferrari engine chief Luca Marmorini in preparation for a potential Formula 1 engine program.
The British marque has expressed an interest in joining the championship as an engine builder when the new regulations cycle comes into effect, subject to cost-cutting initiatives.
Aston Martin president and CEO Andy Palmer told Autosport the company has recruited “the brainpower to be able to develop a Formula 1 engine” in readiness for any move.
The manufacturer has confirmed that Marmorini is now involved in its F1 engine evaluation as a consultant.
“Luca Marmorini is helping us on a consultancy basis as we continue to evaluate options for the 2021 power unit,” read a statement issued to Autosport.
“We have not hired anyone to work full time on this and the power unit remains an area of study for the company, consistent with previous comments and our attendance at the Formula 1 Power Unit Working Group meetings.”
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has stated that his team would be “absolutely open” to running an Aston Martin F1 engine in the future.
Aston has already signed as RBR's title sponsor for 2018.